At least it's a sunny day

I don't want to complain about rain, but just about as soon as the weeds dry out enough for me to cut them, it rains again.  I'll have to say it's nice looking at all that green in my backyard after a summer of dead brown grass.

I took this photo when I got up this morning and managed to catch him before he woke up.

Why he burrows his head underneath the covers is a mystery to me, but it's okay.

My christmas tree still looks beautiful, and the needles aren't prickly yet nor are they dropping off the tree.  I add water to the tree holder about every other day, and I hate to think of taking the tree down.  Usually I'm not that sentimental about  it, but this one is such as perfect shape and exactly a perfect size.  Rocky can just about walk under the lowest branches, although he pretty much steers clear of the tree.

I hope there isn't too much celebrating of New Year's eve around this neighborhood.  The mobile home park was perfect to me in that most people's houses were always dark after 9pm.  I might enjoy popping a champagne cork, but as for all the noise of New Year's Eve, I was done with that years ago!

I think I will take Rocky for a short walk.
I might write a short post tomorrow, but if I don't I will wish everyone a Happy New Year a day early.
 

Out with the old; In with the new!

Actually, I haven't had many real problems during the past year, although I've had enough to gripe about.  Closing on this year I'm thinking about what I want to change during 2020.  I think I want to be more optimistic; more loving; more forgiving.  Considering what I've spent during the past couple of months, I should also try to be more frugal!

I took a photo of the center of the mantel and here it is: 

The wreath in the center was made for me by Steve, Ara's fiance.  The lighthouse on the left was painted by my granddaughter, Autumn, and the puppy in the picture on the right was drawn by granddaughter, Arianna. 

I just took Rocky for a short walk and am trying to work with him to keep him from pulling on the leash when we walk.  He is definitely an alpha male, but he'd better learn PDQ that I am the  alpha female!  I plan to start going back to my chiropractor after the first of the year as Rocky's constant pulling has my lower back all out of shape!

So I have every reason to be optimistic about the coming year, (except for the political drama and the state of the world).  I may or may not post again before the end of the year, but I wish all of you the very best for 2020.

The Day After

Christmas turned out to be a fun experience at my house yesterday.  The tree was surrounded by stacks of gifts, and family filled the house.  Everyone brought delicious food and while I was nervous about hosting so many people in my house, it turned out to be so much fun.   Most of them left between 11pm and midnight, and Jeannie and I sat and talked until about 2am.  Rocky and I slept late this morning and have been napping throughout the day.  I'm relieved it all went so well, and that it is over with.

Everyone wore their pajamas to the party; everyone brought food.  It was a fun and comfortable gathering and I believe everyone really enjoyed it.

Tree and presents:   (Click on photo to enlarge)I

 
 Lab calendar:

 I know most people keep their calendars on their phones these days, but I'm an exception.  I love to hang a large calendar on my fridge, with all my appointments and pertinent notes scribbled in for each date.  Every year I always receive calendars from several different places - this past year I have been using one sent to me from the Arbor Day Foundation.  To date I haven't received one single calendar, so I bought my own.  I'm going to love using it, as it features my very favorite dog!

I want to mention a product I used to clean and shine my old, worn-out, ugly hardwood floors.  It didn't hide some of the worst spots, but as you can see in the first photo above, it looks pretty good.  Even after having a large crowd last night including my dog as well as Ara's puppy, the floor still looks pretty good.  I have enough left for at least one more, possibly two, applications.  I'm not sure how long this will last before needing another treatment, but I'm  very happy with it - the product is called Rejuvenate Floor Renewer - and includes a bottle of product for wood furniture as well.  It sure improves the look of my coffee table.

I hope you all had a very happy holiday (if you are one who celebrates it).  I'm feeling so good about Christmas this year I'm even thinking about making a couple of serious New Year's resolutions, which is something I've rarely done in the past.

The best of the season to all of you.

 
 

I'm running out of time

Here I am going into the week of Christmas, and I certainly haven't done much the past few days to get ready.  Donald is going to cook the meal so at least I don't have that to worry about.  Cleaning is what I have to do, and that is my least favorite thing.

The floors are hardwood and in horrible condition.   Because I sold my mobile home so fast and the buyer needed to move in as soon as possible, I arranged to move in here without much being done to the place after the former renters moved out.  The floors need complete refinishing.  I bought a product called "Rejuvenate" for which I don't hold much hope, but I'll try it.  Since we are having so much rain, I'm going to wait until late Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning to start cleaning them.  I think it will be mid-afternoon before my guests start arriving, so I should be ok although cutting it close.  I did a test run on a small area next to the tree, and it looks pretty good, although that isn't where the dog gets his paw prints and scuffs all over.

I have been laughing so hard this evening, and feel so much better because of it.  I've watched some Johnny Carson youtube videos.  That man was so funny, and I don't think there has been anyone on tv, or any late night commedian, to come close to Johnny.  He was particularly funny when he had animals on the show, and I watched a 30 minute compilation this evening of Johnny and various animals and birds.  He was particularly funny with chimps, gorillas, and other monkeys, especially the young ones.   TV has changed drastically since those days, and I don't think it has improved much, especially with regard to content.  I'm sure sick and tired of the political crap, and it's going to get worse in the coming months I'm afraid.  (I don't have a TV, but watch youtube to find out what is going on.)

I have been stuck inside for the entire weekend, with the exception of a 10 or 15 minute walk each day with Rocky.  His behavior cut it short yesterday, and today the rain was the cause.  I love this apartment so much better than the mobile home, but I sure preferred the location I was in before.  I saw people every day, and enjoyed walking Rocky.   Now I just feel trapped, and wonder - is this what it's like to grow old.  I sure don't think it will get any better.

I got Rocky's nails clipped on Friday, although they couldn't cut much off because they can't see the quick on his totally black nails, and it had been a while since he had them trimmed.  I need to take him back next week, and as the quick moves back a little each time the nails are trimmed, they can take more off.  Not being able to get there without bumming a ride, I can't keep to any kind of schedule.  Donald is one of the kindest people I know and I'm sure he would take me anywhere I need to go.  I don't want to overdo it and be a nuisance.  This morning before I got out of bed, Rocky  clawed my arm and it really looks bad.  Taking a baby aspirin every day, along with the aging process leaves my skin very thin and I bruise and bleed easily.  I can't complain about the aspirin because other than prescription eye drops, I don't take any kind of meds - just vitamins and a couple of supplements.

Jumping the Gun

As if one holiday at a time isn't enough, I got a mailer from Costco yesterday featuring Christmas gifts.  On the back of the mailer was a large ad reminding me to get ready for Valentine's Day!  I think the merchants are probably worrying that our future economy, including the rise in prices we are already experiencing, is going to lead to a change in spending habits very soon.  Get it while you can seems to be their motto.

Ara arrived in Sacramento yesterday to celebrate Auti's 13th birthday, and she will remain here through the Christmas season.  She brought her puppy over in the afternoon, and it's going to be exactly as I suspected.  The dogs were having a grand old time, although they didn't want to be having it out in the backyard.  They chased each other around in the living room where we were sitting.  I have a bad feeling about Christmas Day, but I've  reached the point of not caring.  I also have the feeling that my dog is going to get the biggest share of the blame for anything that happens.

On a happier note, I'm looking forward to a trip to Barnes & Noble with Auti, where she can pick out a book or two (my birthday prsent to her).  She and I are so much alike in the way we love actual books over the electronic kind.  Nothing beats the look and feel and smell of a new book!

With tons of things I should be doing to get the house ready for Christmas company, I don't feel like doing a thing and will probably be lazy the entire day.

See ya later!

Chilled to the Bone

It's all relative - I'm sure many of you in colder zones wouldn't mind trading with me.  Our weather is in the upper  50's during the day, and down to the 40's at night.  Next week the temps will drop about 5 degrees for both day and night.  It rains off and on which means it feels damp and chilly.  I often use my little Lazko heater in the bathroom when I take a shower, and in the living room when sitting on the couch.  It is so easy to move around.  But I dress warmly and throw a jacket on during the day if I get cold.  (It's cheaper than turning the heat up!)

It's hard to believe that Christmas Day is just one week away.  I will be glad when it's over with, and I am never going to let myself get this involved in the future.

I took Rocky to the vet to get his nails clipped today, and asked them if they could give me something to calm him down when all the company comes on Christmas Day.  They gave me 10 pills, and he can take 2 at a time - 3 if necessary.  I have my doubts they will do much good, with Ara bringing her puppy, and with all the people who will be here, including about 10 kids and 10-15 adults!

Rocky has done amazingly well with the Christmas tree.  He sometimes has tinsel clinging to his fur when he walks too closely by the tree, but he really hasn't bothered with ornaments or the tinsel, thank goodness.  Donald made an interesting observation today.  Rocky does a lot of things that he shouldn't, and I'm often telling him "No".  Donald says he doesn't get it:  "No, what?"    So I will have to pay closer attention and change my wording so he can understand what I mean.  As an example, Rocky jumps up when someone (especially the kids) comes in, and I say "Rocky, NO!".  Donald thinks he doesn't make the connection and that I should be more specific when I say "No".  It makes sense.  I'm sure half of the things he does that drives me crazy are my fault to begin with.  I think Donald majored in child psychology in college, so it no doubt applies to animals as well as kids.

I am so sleepy but it's only 8pm!  I should just go to bed.

I hope you are all prepared for the holidays, whichever you celebrate.   Take care and the best of the season to you all.

Another decoration

For some reason I didn't include a photo of my door decoration in the last blog post.  Here it is:

I still get cold feet when I think of having 25 or so people here on Christmas Day.  I will never have enough seating, for one thing.  

I've decided to kennel Rocky overnight so that will be one less thing I have to worry about.  Of course, I'll worry myself sick that he is ok.  Now I have to get the word out to two of my potential guests who might want to bring their dogs.  

We are still having some rain just about every day, so nothing really dries out.  I'm not complaining, but I love it when the sun peeks out from behind the clouds now and then.

Have a good day - another weekend is around the corner.  It's like watching life go by in fast forward motion!

Am I Getting the Christmas Spirit?

 Monday, Dec. 9:
I will say it - "I don't even like Christmas"!  I haven't liked it for years.  This year my daughter is determined to get me involved in the festivities as much as possible.  She decided our Christmas Day celebrations will be at my house.  She took me shopping for a Christmas tree yesterday, and I spent $30 at the Dollar Tree store buying decorations - that is 30 items!

So we put the tree up this evening - she and my two  grandaughters  came over and did most of the work.  Except for the fact that I'm worried Rocky will probably pull the whole thing over on himself, I have to admit that everything looks festive and pretty, and I'm happy with it. 

While shopping yesterday I bought a little leprechaun, which Rocky was sure was a toy intended for him.  He was pretty disappointed when it was set on the fireplace mantle tonight.  He has been so excited this evening, with three of his favorite people being here and the buzz of things happening.  I am trying to overcome a slight sense of dread of disaster which he is capable of bringing about. 

I think if you click on a picture it should enlarge a bit.

There was a break in the rain for most of today.  It's amazing how a few days of rain brings back the green in the yard - mostly weeds, I'm afraid.  I should hire someone to do yard work for me, but after the expenses of the Christmas season it will take me a while to get back to normal with finances.

Tuesday, Dec. 10:
After being up late last night I find the morning swept past by me and now it's the middle of the afternoon.  I'm not sure how I finally got a couple of photos to download, and even though they aren't the quality I would like, I'm including them.

A break in the rain

Today has been a relativcely dry day but there is still water all around.  I think a terrific rain and wind storm is expected tonight and over the weekend, but I'm not sure what parts of Northern California will be affected.

 I put a Duraflame log in the fireplace and am enjoying watching the flames.  I bought a box of 6 logs and this is the third one I've used.  The first two had a very strong chemical smell while burning, but this one doesn't seem to have an odor at all.  I hope the rest of them will be normal.  I enjoy watching the flames even though there is no heat from them.  I've always loved a cozy wood fire but this is easier to start as well as to clean up after.  And I don't have to worry about sparks going up the chimney and flying about.  I bought myself a fireplace set, with a poker, brush, and shovel, so I'm all set.

Rocky has been getting on my nerves lately.  He wanted to go out at about 3am the past two nights, and that totally disrupts my sleep and it's hard to get back to sleep.  When he jumps down from the bed I have to wake up and be aware of what he's doing as he still chews things, including my comforter which is now missing probably a quarter of its stuffing.

I don't know what to do about a Christmas tree.  Last year Jeannie decided I needed a tree, after a number of years of no longer putting one up at Christmas.  She bought me a very tiny tree - probably about 10-12" high, with a strand of lights on it.  I planned to use that this year but am wondering if I should just go ahead and get a small live tree.  Because of the weather the past few years the trees, both cut and living, are not the same quality as in years past, but I might break down and buy a small cut tree.  Then I have to spend money on lights and ornaments, because I will be having everyone at my house for the Christmas gift exchange on the 25th.  Life sure doesn't get any easier over the years.

I hope you are all enjoying December.  There is a lot of anticipation and joy associated with the holidays - I just don't feel it any more.

 

Down to the Wire!

It's hard for me to believe we've reached December, and I don't know how 2019 went by so fast.  I guess I can expect 2020 to shoot by even faster, and that trend will continue the older I get.

Rocky turned 18 months old this past week but shows no signs of maturity yet!  I love his puppy nature except when I'm not in the mood for it.

I skipped Thanksgiving this year, and really wish I could skip Christmas.  My daughter has talked me into holding the Christmas Day celebrations at my house, and to be truthful I don't have the room - we counted a possibility of 26+ people.  The thought of where I'm going to put them all is scary.  I'm not going to buy a Christmas tree and won't be swayed on that matter.  Last Christmas Jeannie decided I needed a reminder of the holiday so she gave me a tiny little artificial tree with a strand of lights on it.  That is going to be my Christmas tree this year, come hell or high water!  Can you imagine the havoc Rocky could wreak with a large tree loaded with lights and ornaments.  I've been there and done that.

I can remember Christmases past, where we had to wrap a couple of beer cases to set on top of an end table, and the tree went on top of those.  The tip nearly reached the ceiling, but all the lights and decorations were out of reach of whatever dog we had at the time.  I'm not going back to that, although I wish I could recover some of the Christmas spirit I had in those days.

 We are having some cold and rainy weather now and the rain will be with us for a while,.  You can  imagine the state of my garden .  Weeds and grass tower over the vegetable plants.

Sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer today.  I should probably pour myself a glass of wine and chill out!  Am I the only person for whom holidays have lost their lustre?   Let me know how you cope with this time of year.